Keeping in touch with both parents
It is important that you and the parent you don't live with find ways to keep in touch. They will want to know what's going on in your life and you will want to know what's happening in theirs. Maybe contact with your grandparents or friends will be harder if you move house and change schools.
There are many ways you can keep in touch with family and friends, such as
- Talking over the telephone
- Sending emails
- Sending text messages
- Writing letters
- Chatting over the internet
- Visiting
- Meeting somewhere for a drink or lunch
- Going to the movies or a sports event together
- Inviting friends home to play or for a meal
- Inviting them to school events, if that's OK with the other parent and the school
Not everyone knows how to use the internet or a mobile phone. But people can learn and you might have to teach your parent or relatives how to do it.
Some people don't have internet at home so check with them to find out the easiest way to keep in contact.
It can be helpful to plan to meet your other parent on a regular time or day of the week or month and to spend holiday times with your absent parent whenever possible.
However, where you are frightened of the parent you are not living with, because of violence or abuse, it is important that you let people know, as it is more important for you to feel safe than to be in a situation where you are at risk of being abused.
- Click here to read more about family violence
- Do you feel sad because you miss your parent? Click here to read more about grief and loss.
